Keyboards of all kinds

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: One of my favorite projects was for an artist named PT Walkley who was taking on an enormous album full of string and horn scores. He needed some acoustic piano, so he hired me, I came in and nailed the parts, and the music on his record is just absolutely gorgeous. I was proud to be a part of it, and thrilled that he thought of me to record with him.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently creating some children’s music.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: There’s a time for both, but I use digital at my home studio. It’s flexible when trying to change tempos, fix minor issues, quantize, and the current plug-ins sound incredible.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I can deliver exactly what the client wants (and more!), and if I don’t think I can, I’ll be honest and pass the project off to someone else.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love taking on new projects, bringing my style and ideas to the table, and getting that positive feedback like “wow! This is even better than what I was imagining!”

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I always want to know the artists’ vision for the project. I need to know the kinds of references they had in mind when they composed their music, and who are other keyboardists they would have hired on their track if money was no object.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Make sure you know what you’re looking for, but be open to what your hired musicians bring to the table. Their ideas may surprise you!

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: I’ve gotta have Pro Tools, Ivory, my PC, a great mic, and my M-Audio interface.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I’ve been collaborating with other musicians since middle school and really got my feet wet in New York City playing and recording with a wide array of other artists. I’ve recorded tracks for Blue’s Clues and Team Umizoomi, worked on stage with the Blues Brothers and Jay and the Americans, and played tons of gigs with original and cover bands over the years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style come from a jazz background, but isn’t noodly and rests in a solid rock foundation.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I would love to work with anyone who brings real artistry to their craft. Nothing is more satisfying than fulfilling the artists’ vision.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Never overplay! The secret ingredient in most music is the space or silence.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I usually work in the pop and rock genres, but I’m flexible and find myself playing just about anything.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I have a fantastic ear, can hear and figure out chords and melodies quickly and easily, and I am a sensitive player, only bringing what is absolutely necessary to make the song pop.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Each song is unique and requires a delicate and skillful touch from the keyboardist to bring out certain elements of the music.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I’ll listen to your track, hear your suggestions and needs, then give you the best possible performance based on what’s best for the song.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use Pro Tools with the latest piano, organ and synth plug-ins.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I’ve been inspired by all of the talented musicians in my life and a myriad of producers and engineers at studios where I’ve worked and recorded.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I play piano & keys and create authentic backing tracks for pop, rock, blues, children’s, musical theater, folk and originals using top tier studio equipment like Ivory and Pro Tools.